Volcanic Activity Lab Report

Don’t forget to begin your lab with a cover sheet and an introduction.

For this report, answer each discussion type question with one or two paragraphs that provide the answer with justification. For numerical answers, give the number and how it was determined (where it was found online, show calculations, etc).

1) What is effusive volcanic activity and how does it help planets to form their crusts?

2) Find the radius and mass of Mercury. Using the search engine of your choice, determine how long ago Mercury ceased to be volcanic. As a result, roughly how long was Mercury volcanic?

3) Find the radius and mass of Mars. Using the search engine of your choice, determine how long ago Mars ceased to be volcanic. As a result, roughly how long was Mars volcanic?

4) Find the radius of both Venus and Earth and give the average of these two values. Repeat for the mass of both Venus and Earth. Based on your answers to questions (2) and (3), are you surprised that Earth and Venus are still volcanic? Why or why not?

5) What type of volcano is Olympus Mons? How did it form? What is the height of Olympus Mons?

6) What is the tallest volcano on Earth? Explain how plate tectonics results in smaller volcanoes on Earth even though Earth has been volcanic longer than Mars. You may wish to consider the formation of the Hawaiian Islands to help you with this question.

7) Research how the Tharsis Region on Mars formed. How did the lack of plate tectonics lead to such a violent event?

8) Consider your answers to questions (6) and (7). Give your opinion as to whether or not Mars’ habitability is affected by these events. There is no right answer, but you must explain why you gave the answer you did.

Finally, don’t forget the conclusion.